The CPE/PGDL doesn’t seem to be preparing a barrister for a law degree, and there are too many topics for such a short amount of time.
The advantages of the current system of a barrister would be that the barrister meets other professionals that can advise him/her when they join an Inn of Court; they will meet people such as Queens Counsel, other training barristers and judges.
Also when a barrister is doing pupillage they are paid a small amount and even though costs for training are high there are loans available.
The option that a barrister can do 2 years part time for their Bar Vocational Course means they can be more work relieved and have more time to pay the expense.
Even though there is competition for pupillages it ensures that there is quality for the candidates.
The disadvantage of a solicitor’s training system is also similar to the ones of a barrister but different training procedures and variation in cost.
Cost is a disadvantage to solicitors because the LPC is very expensive, which ranges from £5,300 to £9000. This is a major disadvantage to poorer families that are unable to support their child.
Also it is difficult to get places for LPCs, and even more difficult to get a training contract. There is also a problem about over-supply due to many students who have passed there LPC however fail to obtain a training contract.
Again like barristers they may not get to specialise in the areas of law they are interested in as it is dependent on the training contract vacancies.
The advantage of a solicitor’s training system is that the LPC can be done over 2 years part time whilst working which enables greater collaboration with other people to become solicitors.
Trainees are also paid during their training contract which is a benefit and the experience and congregation with other solicitors is also beneficial.
The two systems differ and there have been criticism with how they are different. One point common to barristers would be that non-law graduates do only one year of formal law for Common Professional Course. Therefore there has been concern whether these candidates really have enough potential to become lawyers.
There have been suggestions that a reform of the current training system is needed thus better funding, more joint training and more opportunities to do qualifying work in a legal environment while studying.
Also the cost of the systems for both is not allowing chances of potential lawyers.
In conclusion the current training system for solicitors and barristers is more on the downside due to cost and the content that they need to concentrate on in such a small amount of time. However this system is changing slightly and eventually will suit the potential candidates.
